Cassius Newton, the 34-year-old son of former Chelsea midfielder Eddie Newton, has died in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, along with his friend Aran Martinson, 33.
An inquest opened in Essex, England, on Thursday heard that both men died on 18 July after setting out on a hike in heat that reached 40C. They had moved to the UAE for work and were living in Ras Al Khaimah at the time.
Essex area coroner Michelle Brown told the hearing that Newton, of Dorset, left for Wadi Naqab, a desert valley, with a friend at about 7am. The pair went out on a hot day in a wholly mountainous stretch of the country. Zoyols News reports that they took a recreational path that does not require hiking gear.
Newton’s wife, who was in the UK, grew worried when she heard nothing from him and reported him missing. A search team later found him lying on his back among rocks, about three or four kilometres from their vehicle.
Chelsea paid tribute on Friday, saying the club was devastated to learn of the death of former Academy player Cassius Newton, son of former player and coach Eddie Newton, and that its thoughts were with his family and friends.
